Meghan Markle's Instructions for Her British 'Vogue' Cover Shoot Say a Lot About Her

Alyssa Bailey
Photo credit: Karwai Tang - Getty Images
Photo credit: Karwai Tang - Getty Images

From ELLE

Yesterday, Meghan Markle announced she guest-edited the September issue of British Vogue, where she "chose a diverse selection of women from all walks of life, each driving impact and raising the bar for equality, kindness, justice, and open mindedness" for the issue's Forces for Change cover. She had specific instructions for the cover shoot—instructions that say a lot about how she wants to showcase beauty.

British Vogue wrote that the word "natural" came up multiple times during cover discussions. Peter Lindbergh, who shot the cover, explained to the outlet this was exactly what Meghan's vision was. “My instructions from the Duchess were clear: ‘I want to see freckles!’” Lindbergh said. The photographer said he spoke to Meghan on the phone during the morning of the New York shoot. “Well, that was like running through open doors for me. I love freckles.”

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We are proud to announce that Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Sussex is the Guest Editor for the September issue of @BritishVogue. For the past seven months, The Duchess has curated the content with British Vogue's Editor-in-Chief Edward Enninful to create an issue that highlights the power of the collective. They have named the issue: “Forces for Change” For the cover, The Duchess chose a diverse selection of women from all walks of life, each driving impact and raising the bar for equality, kindness, justice and open mindedness. The sixteenth space on the cover, a mirror, was included so that when you hold the issue in your hands, you see yourself as part of this collective. The women on the cover include: @AdwoaAboah @AdutAkech @SomaliBoxer @JacindaArdern @TheSineadBurke @Gemma_Chan @LaverneCox @JaneFonda @SalmaHayek @FrankieGoesToHayward @JameelaJamilOfficial @Chimamanda_Adichie @YaraShahidi @GretaThunberg @CTurlington We are excited to announce that within the issue you’ll find: an exclusive interview between The Duchess and former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama, a candid conversation between The Duke of Sussex and Dr Jane Goodall, inspirational articles written by Brené Brown, Jameela Jamil and many others. Equally, you’ll find grassroots organisations and incredible trailblazers working tirelessly behind the scenes to change the world for the better. “Guest Editing the September issue of British Vogue has been rewarding, educational and inspiring. To deep dive into this process, working quietly behind the scenes for so many months, I am happy to now be able to share what we have created. A huge thanks to all of the friends who supported me in this endeavour, lending their time and energy to help within these pages and on the cover. Thank you for saying “Yes!” - and to Edward, thank you for this wonderful opportunity.” - The Duchess of Sussex #ForcesForChange

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on Jul 28, 2019 at 2:26pm PDT

Lindbergh explained that he prefers shooting women in that style, to showcase their natural beauty. “I hate retouching, I hate make-up. I always say, ‘Take the make-up off!’” Lindbergh said. “The number of beautiful women who have asked me to lengthen their legs or move their eyes further apart…” he laughed. “You would not believe. It’s a culture of madness.”

Meghan selected 15 cover stars, who are all activists and pioneers in their industries. They include model Adwoa Aboah, model Adut Akech, Somali boxer Ramla Ali, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, writer Sinéad Burke, actress Gemma Chan, actress Laverne Cox, actress Jane Fonda, actress Salma Hayek, ballet dancer Francesca Hayward, actress Jameela Jamil, writer Chimamanda Adichie, actress Yara Shahidi, activist Greta Thunberg, and model Chrissy Turlington.

“Guest Editing the September issue of British Vogue has been rewarding, educational and inspiring," she said, via her SussexRoyal Instagram. "To deep dive into this process, working quietly behind the scenes for so many months, I am happy to now be able to share what we have created."

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